Corvette Manta Ray

But by 1968, with the debut of the new C3 Corvette, the Mako Shark was old news. In other words, General Motors has protected those two names so that only they can use them on a car, an engine or a special package. When the designers of the future Chevy sports car needed a name, they looked to the ocean for inspiration, and the name they came up with was Corvette. Side pipes were beautifully crafted into the side rocker panels and sounded great. Here is the first production V8 ever, inside a 1915 Cadillac. The 1963 Sting Ray Coupe featured a split rear-window design, but it was replaced with a single-piece rear window in 1964 because owners complained about visibility.

Ultra Rare 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Manta Ray Mako Shark II In Motion

Both cars featured an all-new body design that was significantly trimmer and more stylish than the previous generation. Corvette received its most radical styling change in 1968, and this basic body design would continue to evolve for 15 years. Perhaps there were budgetary concerns at work; there was indeed a frenzy of concept, experimental, and show cars during this period. Chevrolet had to add a second shift to its St. He discovered the rare muscle car when checking out another car nearby, and was pointed to the barn that housed the Daytona.

GM Files Trademark Application For “Manta Ray”, “Corvette Manta Ray”

So fortunately, an Endura front bumper never made it on to the Corvette. But by 1968, with the debut of the new C3 Corvette, the Mako Shark was old news. You can find much more information about your privacy choices in. By 1968, with the debut of the new C3 Corvette, the Mako Shark was old news. General Motors focused on the 2016 Camaro right now, but we can expect some new Corvette tidbits as the 2016 model year vehicles arrive. Perhaps there were budgetary concerns at work; there was indeed a frenzy of concept, experimental, and show cars during this period. Torque News provides a fresh perspective not found on other auto websites with unique pieces on design, international events, product news and industry trends.

1969 Manta Ray Show Car: Mitchell’s Extreme

General Motors produced one of the greatest sports cars in the automotive history, and you are already guessing, it is the Chevrolet Corvette, which stands as a symbol for power and freedom. The biggest change was the long, tapered tail, a la the Astro Vette show car. . Normal sideview mirrors were deleted in favor of small, bullet-shaped mirrors that were attached to the top of the A-pillers. A gunslit vertical window replaced the louvered fastback rear window. Considering that Manta Ray was a concept back in 1969, it seems very possible that the name could come back to life on a new Corvette concept. Actually, there were created only two examples, one of them is this in the video below and is fully functional.

1969 Manta Ray Show Car: Mitchell’s Extreme

Read the history on this unique Corvette prototype. Like the previous Mako Shark cars, the Manta Ray was painted dark blue with pearl white fogging along the lower edges. Here's the story on this print: lllustrated Corvette Series No. Normal sideview mirrors were deleted in favor of small, bullet-shaped mirrors that were attached to the top of the A-pillars. The material was color-matched to the paint to give an integrated look.

1969 Manta Ray

Today, a 1963 split-window Coupe is a cherished prize among collectors. Four taillights were fared in under the rear bumper line with a center-located license-plate holder. Endura bumpers gracefully covered functional metal bumpers. Special badges and Corvette crossed-flags insignias completed the car. Ah, the stuff of daydreams! This was part of the Bill Mitchell trademark.

Mako Shark (concept car)

Hard braking caused flaps on the rear deck to rise, reflecting light from upward facing stop-lamps a feature first shown on the original Shark. Chevrolet actually created two of them - only one of which was fully functional. Modifications include a front spoiler and redesigned grille and external exhaust pipes. This was part of the Bill Mitchell trademark. The Mako Shark was a tremendous success on the auto show circuit. The Firestone tires were replaced with Goodyear tires. After numerous attempts to match the shark's color scheme failed, the team hit upon the idea of kidnapping the fish one night, painting it to match their best efforts on the car, and returning it to the office.

With the Manta Ray trademark surfacing, those who truly believe that a mid-engine Corvette is coming are hoping that this could be the first step towards their dream becoming a reality. After much convincing, the old man who owned the barn agreed to sell the relic. From 1959 to the Corvette concepts blew people away. Ideally, this Corvette would have a touch more power than the 460hp Stingray, but less than the 650hp Z06, while also having improved aerodynamics when compared to the Stingray. This statistic would stand until 1976 when 46,558 Corvettes were sold. Later show cars were serious engineering studies.

This concept was developed back in 1965 as a show car, however, influenced the redesigned of the. But the most exciting changes were still a year away. Back in 1969, General Motors offered up the Manta Ray Corvette Concept, which had a high performance aluminum 427 cubic inch V8 and a unique exterior design which including a long rear end with a striking fastback form. This was part of the Bill Mitchell trademark. Read the history on this unique Corvette prototype. This engine is capable of producing 524 horsepower and 550 lb. Read the history on this unique Corvette prototype.

1969 Manta Ray

While the functioning version didn't have these features, it did have a retractable rear spoiler, and a square section bumper that could be extended for added protection. How cool would it have been to have the Mako Shark Trilogy? Mitchell never realized the difference and pronounced himself pleased with the team's duplication of nature's handiwork on the car. Louis, Missouri assembly plant to keep up with demand, and dealers reported owners waiting months for their cars to be built. In 1968, Corvette production hit a new record of 28,566. To bring you the best content on our sites and applications, Meredith partners with third party advertisers to serve digital ads, including personalized digital ads. The series you are reading now proves that.